Allies in the fight against prejudice

MLK Jr. recognized ties between Jews and African Americans as victims of bigotry.Now is the time to remember the life, the legacy and the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He understood the meaning of discrimination and oppression and he sought ways to achieve liberation and peace.

Martin Luther King Jr. understood that a special relationship exists between African Americans and American Jews. He knew that both peoples were uprooted involuntarily from their homelands. He knew that both peoples were shaped by the tragic experience of slavery. He knew that both peoples were forced to live in ghettoes, victims of segregation. He knew that both peoples were subject to laws passed with the particular intent of oppressing them simply because they were Jewish or Black. He knew that both peoples have been subjected to oppression and genocide on a level unprecedented in history.

Dr. King understood how important it is not to stand by in the face of injustice. He understood the cry, “Let my people go.” Long before the plight of the Jews in the Soviet Union was on the front pages, he raised his voice. “I cannot stand idly by, even though I happen to live in the United States and even though I happen to be an American Negro and not be concerned about what happens to the Jews in Soviet Russia. For what happens to them happens to me and you, and we must be concerned.”

During his lifetime Dr. King witnessed the birth of Israel and the continuing struggle to build a nation. He consistently reiterated his stand on the Israel-Arab conflict, stating “Israel’s right to exist as a state in security is uncontestable.” Dr. King emphasized the word security in his statements on the Middle East.

On March 25, 1968, less than two weeks before his tragic death, he spoke out with clarity and directness stating, “peace for Israel means security, and we must stand with all our might to protect its right to exist, its territorial integrity. I see Israel as one of the great outposts of democracy in the world, and a marvelous example of what can be done, how desert land can be transformed into an oasis of brotherhood and democracy. Peace for Israel means security and that security must be a reality.”

During the recent United Nations Conference on Racism held in Durban, South Africa, we were all shocked by the attacks on Jews, Israel and Zionism. The United States of America stood up against these vicious attacks. Once again the words of Dr. King ran through my memory, “I solemnly pledge to do my utmost to uphold the fair name of the Jews because bigotry in any form is an affront to us all.” During an appearance at Harvard University shortly before his death, a student stood up and asked Dr. King to address himself to the issue of Zionism. The question was clearly hostile. Dr. King responded, “When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews. You are talking anti-Semitism.”

Martin Luther King Jr. taught us many lessons. As turbulence continues to grip the Middle East his words should continue to serve as our guide. I am convinced that were he alive today he would speak clearly, calling for an end to the violence between Israelis and Arabs. He would call upon his fellow Noble Peace Prize winner Yasser Arafat to fulfill the dream of peace and do all that is within his power to stop the violence. He would urge continuing negotiations to reduce tensions and bring about the first steps toward genuine peace. Dr. King had a dream of an “oasis of brotherhood and democracy” in the Middle East. As we celebrate his life and legacy let us work for the day when Israeli and Palestinian, Jew and Moslem, will be able to sit in peace “under his vine and fig tree and none shall make him afraid.”